With the top of the map facing west, the red line shows the approximate route of the realigned Prisoners Lake Drive, designed to improve safety and drainage and free up green space next to the lake.
COVINGTON, Ky. - The road that curves around and almost into Prisoners Lake in Covington’s Devou Park is about to be straightened.
The Covington City Commission approved a contract with Lonkard Construction of Florence at its meeting Nov. 20 to realign what’s called Prisoner’s Lake Drive from Wayne Road to a spot about 500 feet south (toward the Behringer-Crawford Museum).
In addition to moving the road to the west, the project also includes expanding the parking lot across from the lake at the road’s intersection with Wayne Road.
The cost of the project is not to exceed $317,833.35. Lonkard’s bid was the lowest of four received by the City.
The project is important for a number of reasons, Public Works Director Rick Davis said.
“It will improve drainage and safety by getting the road away from the lake and by taking out the big bend,” Davis said. “It will also free up some green space on the west side of the lake for future use.”
The 3.8-acre lake is a popular fishing spot and is regularly stocked by the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources with catfish and rainbow trout. At about 26 feet deep at its deepest point, the lake also includes largemouth bass and bluegill and is the site of the City’s annual Fishing Derby for youth.
The project will begin in the spring, Davis said, and visitors to the park should expect periodic impacts on through traffic.
The project is being paid with funds managed by Devou Properties Inc. which are generated by enterprises in Devou Park and dedicated for improvements in the park.
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Each May, up to 100 kids come to Prisoners Lake for the Fishing Derby organized by the Covington Parks & Recreation Department.